Am I ready for a Ball Python?

[punkflash54]

i think as long as you do your research and make sure you can properly care for a ball python then get one. but don't rush into it just because you want one now. Make sure you can provide for it and give it a great life.

[SpiffyYoshi]

They do make better lap snakes although mine won't just sit still forever. Sir Hiss sort of does, but it is because he is usually tracking my movement, ready to snap at me if I get too close. I guess their stout body shape makes them a little easier to handle. Also their requirements aren't too much different from corn snakes. Basically, they like it more humid and about 5-10 degrees warmer than corns.

[Blubb]

Yes, ball pythons are much more relaxed (in most cases) than corn snakes. I also got a corn snake, and he is more active than my BPs. Just keep in mind that they might miss some meals and they might have some problem with shedding. But if you keep the humidity and heat on a stable level it should not be a problem.

Also, think about which kind of BP you want. There is alot of morphs out there, so why not take a look? I think you are ready to get a ball python, and you seem to be very mature for your age. Good luck on your decision.

[anatess]

also i dont know the adult length of corns but i'm almost positive they stay on the very small side am i right? bp's can get up to 4 1/2 - 5 ft, so you really need to know for sure that you can provide an adequate home for something of that size? granted these snakes like somewhat cramped spaces but even still i'm sure they'd need a home a bit bigger then that for a corn.

Corn snakes and Ball Pythons are similar in size length-wise. The difference is in the girth. Ball Pythons tend to be wider and heavier than corn snakes.

They both have similar enclosure size requirements

Ball Pythons thrive at a 5 degree higher temperature range than corns (corn snakes hot spot is around 85, Ball Pythons around 90).

The main difference in husbandry is the humidity. Corn snakes do not care whether the air is wet or dry. Ball Pythons thrive better on 60% humidity.

Corn snakes are primarily diurnal, Ball Pythons are mainly nocturnal. Corn snakes are more active while Ball Pythons seem to hide all the time. So, you might find the Ball Python kinda boring.

Anyway, if you feel you can take care of 2 Jaspers, then it only takes a little bit more work to get a Ball Python instead of another corn snake.

One main thing that freaks out new Ball Python owners - there will come a time when your Ball Python will skip a meal. So, it might take a little bit more work and worry when this happens. It's just part of the hobby...

So, yeah, if you think you can handle it - go for it! It is definitely much easier than having a cat!

[ReclusiveDemon]

So, a 20 gallon long glass enclosure would house a Ball Python adequately for the rest of it's life? Does it need to exercise? Is a plastic tub any better, and if it is, what size of plastic tub is best for an adult Ball Python? Also, are UTH's better suited for the tubs or the glass cages?

[anatess]

So, a 20 gallon long glass enclosure would house a Ball Python adequately for the rest of it's life? Does it need to exercise? Is a plastic tub any better, and if it is, what size of plastic tub is best for an adult Ball Python? Also, are UTH's better suited for the tubs or the glass cages?

Yes, a 20L is sufficient for a male. If you get a female better to use 30L. Exercise... Not much. Weekly handling is sufficient for this. They spend most of their time curled up in the hide.

Plastic tubs versus glass tank is completely owner preference. Plastic tubs are easier for the owner to care for but it is not so great for display. A CB70 size tub is sufficient (33.5"x17.8"x6"). UTH is better suited for glass tank because the python is heavy bodied and has the potential of bending the bottom of the plastic bin to lay smack dab on the surface it is on, so that a UTH on the bottom of the bin right under the snake could lose needed airflow and burn the plastic (yes, I learned this the hard way). You can, of course prevent this from happening by making sure your thermostat is reliable and also by designing the surface the tub is on to sink the UTH.

[xFenrir]

If you're not 100% sure you're ready for another scaly family member, then I'd wait. BP's are relatively easy to care for compared to most of your exotic snakes, but it's just about going the extra mile to make sure their husbandry and everything is stable and on point. If you don't think you're ready to take care of two snakes, wait until you are.

As for "chilled out", I dunno. As soon as my BP is out she's zooming over whatever surface she's on; hanging off people's arms, going under pillows, trying to jump off the bed... I don't think I've ever seen her still outside her tank unless she's startled.